sugar free & vegan almond butter snack bars

I have come across the alarming and glaring fact that sugar, in general, bloats the crap out of me. I was definitely in denial for a long time about the subject, but have recently come to terms with it (since my jeans buttoning hold no mercy for me whatsoever). I can not wait to combat the sugar free grounds of baking… it’s gonna be a delicious ride.

These bars came out fantastic. If you’re looking for a super sweet treat, then click on some of my other more traditional bar recipes. This is not the recipe for you.

If you’re looking for a wholesome snack that you and your fam or friends can enjoy (with some nutritional components) then you just hit the mother load. I wanted to make this 100% no sugar added, so I skipped on the usual vegan chocolate chips I use but ended up needing some sort of ganache or topping for the sake of the photos. I prefer them plain but you can add the chocolate syrup I came up with for some extra sweetness.

Bar Ingredients:

6-7 large dates

3/4 cup almond butter

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup almond milk

1/2 cup oat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1.5 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp espresso powder (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Soak dates in hot water for 15 minutes. Drain of liquid.

Add the dates, almond butter and applesauce to a food processor and pulse until smooth (stop and scrape down sides to get it all in there). Next, add the milk and pulse until incorporated. Finally, add the baking soda, vanilla, salt & optional espresso powder and pulse until completely smooth batter is in there. Transfer mixture to brownie pan and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 20 minutes on wire rack.

Optional Chocolate Glaze:

2 tbs maple syrup

1/2 tsp cacao powder

Add ingredients to a small pot and heat on medium low. Constantly whisk until smooth and combined. Drizzle on bars.